Panther Press

• October 31st - Our outdoor parade starts at 2:35.
• Attendance Matters
• Community Celebrations
• Fun Run
• Carnival
• No School November 1st
• Walk to School Day
• Sunflower House
• VPE Cares
• Book Fair
• Literacy Night
• Panther Pride Sweatshirts

At the elementary level, regular attendance is key to building habits that last a lifetime. Children thrive on routine, and attending school every day helps them feel part of their class, stay engaged in learning and build confidence. When students are absent, they miss valuable lessons, classroom discussions and social interactions.

Regular attendance ensures that your child stays on track with their learning. Each day builds upon the previous one, and when your child is present, they are able to grow academically and socially. You play an important role in helping your child establish good attendance habits, which will serve them throughout their school years and beyond.

Some November Celebrations & Observances:

• Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

• National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments.

• All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church.

• Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

• Diwali - November 1 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.

Get ready because registration is now open for our PANTHERASTIC Paws for a Cause Fun Run Fundraiser, which will officially kick off on Monday, November 4th and end with our student-only Fun Run on Tuesday, November 12th.

️ How to Get Started* on MyBooster.com ️

• Click “Sign Up”

• Enter Valley Park Elementary School

• Fill in your information

• Share with your family and friends!

Thank you for helping us make Valley Park stronger by going on this exciting adventure with us helping us reach our goal of $15,000 to support student enrichment programs and teacher grants!

*Need help signing up? Video instructions HERE.

We’re looking for some dedicated volunteers to lend a paw and assist students as they complete their laps during the Paws for a Cause Fun Run on Tuesday, November 12th. Your help will ensure that every student has a blast during the event!

Sign up to volunteer for the Paws for a Cause Fun Run below!

Wow, what a fantastic Fall Carnival! It was amazing to see so many of you there last weekend - nearly 800 of you! Seeing all of you having fun and making memories is what the carnival is all about. And thanks to your support, we raised nearly $4,800 for the Valley Park PTO!

Be sure to give a big "THANKS!" to all the amazing volunteers who helped make the carnival a success. From setting up the games to managing attractions to selling wristbands, they truly went above and beyond. You're all superHEROES in our eyes! We can't wait to see you all again next year!

Sincerely, The Valley Park PTO

Reminder: November 1 is a K-5 non-student attendance day for teacher collaboration time. During this time, elementary educators will be in their buildings and classrooms working on professional collaboration

This time is vital to ensuring the best possible preparation for our elementary students and supporting student learning outcomes.

School will be back in session on November 4.

On November 14th, students across the country will participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, an annual, commemorative event that honors the courage of Ruby Bridges who made history by becoming the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Students across the country now walk to school on this day to commemorate her bravery and continue the important conversation about equality and inclusion. To learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, visit https://rubybridges.foundation/. We invite our VPE families to walk to school on November 14th to participate in this nationwide event.

If your student's grandparents are eager to get involved and make a difference, we’d love to welcome them! Reach out to our volunteer coordinator today to learn how they can lend a hand! Email volunteer@vpepto.org.

VPE Cares: Hurricanes Milton and Helene Relief Fundraiser for the American Red Cross

The VPE PTO Community Service Activity is fundraising for the American Red Cross to support the relief efforts for the communities impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The Community Service students were so compassionate and caring when talking about how difficult it must be for families that lost so much. Will you join them in helping by making a gift to the Red Cross?

HOW TO GIVE:

1. Online on the dedicated VPE PTO American Red Cross Fundraiser page:

https://americanredcross.donordrive.com/campaign/vpecares

1. Contribute coins or cash in a collection container in the VPE front lobby through October 31.

Together we can make a difference!

It’s that time of year….the Scholastic Book Fair is almost here! The VPE Fall Book Fair will run from Tuesday, 11/5 through Thursday, 11/7 from 8:30-4.
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/valleyparkelementaryschool2

We can’t wait to share our love of reading! Remember that every purchase benefits our school and supports funds that put books in our students’ hands! Happy reading and look forward to seeing you at the Fair!

Get cozy this winter with our Panther Pride sweatshirts—just in time for the holidays! Show your school spirit and stay warm all season long. Pre-order now and have them delivered right to your door! 🐾

#PantherPride #HolidayGear

The Blue valley Student Code of Conduct for 2024-25 has been updated and can be found under "Quick Links" on the VPE homepage.

• Email: attendancevpe@bluevalleyk12.org
• Phone: (913) 239-7605

School Office:

• Phone: (913) 239-7600

Email: mhansen01@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/VPE
Location: 12301 Lamar Overland Park, KS 66209
Phone: (913) 239-7600

Email: EAGill@bluevalleyk12.org
Phone: 913-239-7624
Twitter: @EmilyGill_VPE

• Julie Bachert: Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
• Samantha Bashara: Administrative Assistant/Registrar/Attendance
• Emily Steenson: Nurse

Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/VPE
Location: 12301 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209
Phone: (913) 239-7600